The Russian Ambassador's praise of a letter by Sabina Higgins has been described as embarrassing.
The letter, published by The Irish Times last week, called for a negotiated peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.
Sabina Higgins nee Coyne, is the wife of the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins.
She was born in Cloonrane on the Galway-Mayo border and went to school in Ballindine and Claremorris.
The Russian Ambassador to Ireland Yuriy Filatov, welcomed Sabina Higgins' comments, which called for both Russia and Ukraine to engage in talks.
The letter to the editor has been widely criticised for appearing to hold Ukraine to equal account for Russia's invasion.
Journalist and Broadcaster Michael O'Regan says President Higgins should fully clarify the situation to protect Ireland's reputation internationally...
